2023

FLATHEAD LAKE CHERRY GROWERS, INC.

 MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 – 7 p.m.

Directors present:   Mike Bonner, Henry Hooker, Bruce Johnson, Mitch Jones, Ward Marshall,                 Rod McRae, John Nasgovitz,

Absent: Brian Peterson, Mark St. Sauver

Meeting recorded by Barbara Hammons

Meeting held at Hammons’ residence

Rod called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 Minutes were approved for the meeting held August 16, 2023.  

 Budget update – Jan-August distributed to directors. 

Checking account balance as of 9/20/23:  $48,881.35

Glacier Bank CD:  $25,000

WFCU balances as of 7/1/23:  Regular account $5,763.93

TT security deposit $5,383.30

 Rod – 2023 Processing Surcharge – to be determined at next meeting.

                Harvest discussion –

                – timing of pricing notification to growers; subject discussed here and again later in the meeting.

                – complications of Montana box program;  not enough fruit this year to qualify.  Subject discussed again sometime later in the meeting.  Discussion only; no resolution.

                – the effect of crop insurance availability on fruit delivery decisions by growers.   Complexity of crop insurance discussed again later in the meeting.  No resolution.

Directors felt an in-person meeting with all directors and Monson representatives should take place after final receipts are received.  The closing due date is October 31.  Rod will develop a discussion list based on questions raised in board meetings.  Date to be set.  

 Brian Campbell – reported on a conversation with Rod Riggs:  California fruit still being sold on June 23.                 Brian suggested earlier spring meeting just for members and addressing only horticulture issues, pricing, how to determine whether to pick, marketing of co-op fruit, etc.  More discussion followed on this year’s pricing, marketing, picking options, etc.   Some directors didn’t feel the spring meeting needed to be restricted to members only. 

                 More crop insurance discussion followed.  A special insurance meeting for growers hosted by an insurance company suggested to explain options.

                Discussion followed on powdery mildew; conversation too unclear to record.  Significant information needs to be in writing for members.

                Brian will not mow the grounds in the future; someone to be hired to mow and also to spray the noxious weeds that have overrun the area.

 Board meeting time change for winter – 3:00 p.m. as of October 18. 

 Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.             

FLATHEAD LAKE CHERRY GROWERS, INC.

MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wednesday, August 16, 2023 – 7 p.m.

Directors present:   Henry Hooker, Bruce Johnson, Ward Marshall, Rod McRae, John Nasgovitz,

Brian Peterson, Mark St. Sauver

Absent: Mike Bonner, Mitch Jones   

Meeting recorded by Barbara Hammons

Meeting held at Hammons’ residence

Rod called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 Minutes for the meeting held July 8, 2023, were approved with one correction:   In the paragraph titled “Market pricing this year,” the line referring to cull sales to Red Lodge should read “25 cents a pound.”

Minutes for the meeting held July 14, 2023, were approved as submitted.

 Budget update – Jan-July distributed to directors. 

Checking account balance as of 8/16/23:  $71,604.92

                WFCU balances as of 7/1/23:  Regular account $5,763.93

                 TT security deposit $5,383.30

Moving monies to a CD discussed.   Rod suggested depositing $25,000 into a CD for approximately six months, at the best rate available.  Upon motion duly made by Ward Marshall, seconded by Henry Hooker, and unanimously approved, directors agreed that $25,000 will be moved into a CD for approximately six months, at the best rate available.  First Interstate’s rates will be checked.     Barbara will take care of it. 

Letter from Monson to satisfy crop insurance – Henry reported that the adjusters are not in agreement on the new underwriting laws that have changed this year.   He suggested it’s up to the adjusters to ask Monson for the letter that they need to process claims.

Warehouse – Mark

                Hydrocooler removal – Rod suggested we have the money to do the hydrocooler project and that it should be done.  Bryan Zimmerman and Roberto Zavala will be contacted to for a price to do the job.   Finishing the painting of the warehouse will be put off for now.

USDA Visitors – Bruce and Ward – met with new USDA risk management people.   The visitors didn’t know much about cherry farming and were appropriately briefed on the subject.   Directors suggested the new people will be good future contacts for USDA risk management policies.

Topic for next meeting – moving board meetings to earlier in the day will be discussed, especially during winter months.

Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

FLATHEAD LAKE CHERRY GROWERS, INC.

MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Saturday July 8, 2023 – 11:00 a.m. following Annual Shareholders/Preharvest Meeting

Directors present:  Mike Bonner, Henry Hooker, Bruce Johnson, Mitch Jones, Ward Marshall,

Rod McRae, Brian Peterson, Mark St. Sauver

Absent:  John Nasgovitz   

Guest:  Brian Campbell

Meeting recorded by Barbara Hammons

Meeting held downstairs at Yellow Bay Clubhouse

President Rod McRae called the meeting to order at approximately 11:00 a.m.

 Annual Election of Officers as Stated in the Bylaws.  The following officers were nominated and unanimously elected by the directors in attendance, to serve a one-year term until the next election following the annual shareholders meeting to be held in July of 2024:

                 Rod McRae – President

                Mark St. Sauver – Vice President

                Ward Marshall – Secretary

                Mitch Jones – Treasurer

 PMA and Jack Stivers – Rod met with Jack and agreed to $40/hr for his services May through August.  FLCG will pay him and will be reimbursed by the County.  The manner in which this will happen is to be arranged.  Jack will provide education to people on fruit fly infestation.  He will be known as an agent of FLCG at the discretion of Lake County.   If necessary, the county will send a deputy sheriff to go with him.

The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.

  FLATHEAD LAKE CHERRY GROWERS, INC.

 MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wednesday, June 21, 2023 – 7 p.m.

Directors present:  Mike Bonner, Henry Hooker, Bruce Johnson, Mitch Jones, Ward Marshall,

John Nasgovitz, Mark St. Sauver  

Absent:  Rod McRae, Brian Peterson  

Meeting recorded by Barbara Hammons

Meeting held at Hammons’ residence

Mark called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Minutes for the meeting held May 17, 2023, were approved.

 Budget update – Jan-May distributed to directors. 

Checking account balance as of 6/21/23:  $84,014.78

                WFCU balances:  Regular account $5,700.23

                 TT security deposit $5,323.90

Mark – Warehouse insurance – the $6717 premium is due July 1.  Directors agreed it should be paid.  The premium increased by $766; a different insurance company may be investigated over the year.

Moving monies to a CD discussed.  John offered to look into options; decision will be made later.

Xtreme Pest Control – total monthly charge decreased by $40 since the first month’s billing.  The monthly billing is still higher than last year.  John looked into another pest control company and while it was lower per month than Xtreme, the overall savings weren’t enough to change providers at this time.  Next year John’s suggestion will be considered.  Pest control is required May through October; Xtreme was authorized in May to provide the service this year.

Mark – Hydrocooler removal – will stay as is for this harvest; couldn’t get anyone to remove the current system in time.  Bill Delmore will look into setting up a different water system for next year. 

Mark – warehouse – painting of two rooms completed.  The main room wasn’t painted because Tabletree was not able to move their storage out of the area in time.  The original quote ($13,504) did not cover the main room; this section will be an additional expense and will likely be scheduled in the fall.                  

3 Directors named to be Monson’s contacts in case of harvest problems:

 Ward – Rod – Mark

 Harvest predictions:  Variable throughout the area but for sure two to three weeks early.  July 15 likely to be start date for some orchards.  Washington is later making it likely that both harvest times will overlap to some extent.. 

Box Order – an extra pallet will be available for late orders.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

FLATHEAD LAKE CHERRY GROWERS, INC.

MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wednesday, May 17, 2023 – 7 p.m.

Directors present:  Bruce Johnson, Ward Marshall, Rod McRae, John Nasgovitz, Brian Peterson

Absent:  Mike Bonner, Henry Hooker, Mitch Jones, Mark St. Sauver

Guests:  Brian Campbell; representatives from Stockman Bank/Stockman Insurance

Meeting recorded by Barbara Hammons

Meeting held at Hammons’ residence

Four representatives from Stockman Bank/Stockman Insurance were introduced before the regular meeting was called to order.  The representatives discussed their roles within Stockman, the bank’s background, and offerings by the Stockman Insurance agency.  Multi-peril coverage as it applies to cherries was addressed specifically.  Discussion followed.  Agency representatives left literature and contact information.  Rod and Ward had taken the visitors on an orchard tour prior to the meeting.

Rod called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

 Minutes for the meeting held April 19, 2023, were approved.

 Budget update – Jan-April budget reflecting the budget as discussed and approved at last month’s meeting was distributed to directors. 

Moving monies to a CD – options discussed.  Decision will be made later.

Checking account balance as of 5/17/23:  $98,462.22

                WFCU balances:  Regular account $5,700.23

                 TT security deposit $5,323.90

Expense increases noted:  Xtreme Pest Control total monthly charge increased to $278; last year it was $189. (A monthly increase of $89.)   Services include mice bait and outside pest control, May through October.  Increase seems unreasonable.  John offered to check with the person he uses to see if he can get a better price.  Services are just for perimeter of the building; nothing inside.

Rod – Warehouse – hydrocooler removal – Rod reported that Roberto Zavala is not able to do the removal at this time.  It was decided to put the project off until the fall. 

                Painting – Rod described the work being done by the painter to ready the building and the painting project in general.   He also detailed the repair work performed by Bill in various areas throughout the building. 

                Plumbing the water tank that will replace the current tank will be discussed when Mark is available.  This project will also be put off until the fall.

TT’s latest award was announced via Quickcom to members.

 Bruce – Montana Business Quarterly is doing a story on revenue to the state from Montana co-ops.  Bruce participated in the interview and arranged an orchard tour for the article. 

Shareholders/Preharvest Meeting date set for July 8 – at the Yellow Bay Clubhouse – agenda as in the past

FLCG board meeting to elect officers will follow, as usual.

 Aaron’s Group Pre-Audit to follow preharvest meeting.  Directors discussed the idea.  Rod will call Aaron to discuss further – he will also ask if a group pre-audit will reduce Monson’s GAP charge to the co-op.

Brian C. – Harvest prediction.  Crop looks good so far.  July 20 could be beginning of harvest.  Too early to tell for sure.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

FLATHEAD LAKE CHERRY GROWERS, INC.

MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 – 7 p.m.

Directors present:  Bruce Johnson, Mitch Jones, Ward Marshall, Rod McRae, John Nasgovitz, Brian Peterson, Mark St. Sauver

 Absent:  Mike Bonner, Henry Hooker  

Meeting recorded by Barbara Hammons

Meeting held at Hammons’ residence

Rod called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 Minutes for the meeting held March 15, 2023, were approved.

Checking account balance as of 4/18/23:  $101,837.24

                WFCU balances:  Regular account $5,700.23

                 TT security deposit $5,323.90

 

Moving funds into a CD discussed.  Various options considered.  Mitch will look into the best CD deal for the co-op; First Interstate and WFCU will also be checked.  

Discussion of budget for 2023.  Unused line items will be deleted; a few will be adjusted to cover current costs.  Upon motion duly made by Mark St. Sauver, seconded by Ward Marshall, and unanimously approved, the directors accepted the 2023 budget as discussed.   An updated budget will be distributed at the next meeting.

 Rod –  Spring meeting summary.  Income $2110; expenses $4038.   Expense breakdown:  Speaker fees $700; hotel $418; mileage for speaker $555.44; caterer $2065; misc breakfast, water, etc. $300.   

                 Directors felt the meeting went well; agenda and speakers were interesting.  Bernardita Sallato has a link to the material she covered which can be made available to members.

                 Dave Brink, Mineral/Lake County extension agent, arranged for several attendees to receive applicator credits for attending the meeting.  Brian Campbell was thanked for emceeing and putting the meeting together.

 Rod – Red Lodge Ales agreement has been signed. 

                Fisher Painting bid accepted; painting start date depends on temperature in the warehouse.

              

Mark – warehouse –  main issue is to let TT know when warehouse repairs (painting and hydrocooler removal) are scheduled so they can remove their product from the area. 

                Ward Marshall – FSA Report  –  Ward discussed at length options available through USDA/FSA revenue loss programs, PARP and ERP, and also expense reimbursement through the Food Safety Certification program.  Information will be made available to members via a Quickcom message.

Quickcom message to be sent to members re FA/CPR, boxes, date for shareholders meeting, and Rod’s Lapins.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

 Next meeting will be May 17.

 

 

 

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FLATHEAD LAKE CHERRY GROWERS, INC.

 MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wednesday, March 15, 2023 – 7 p.m.

 

Directors present:  Bruce Johnson, Ward Marshall, Rod McRae, Brian Peterson, Mark St. Sauver

 Absent:  Mike Bonner, Henry Hooker, Mitch Jones, John Nasgovitz  

Meeting recorded by Barbara Hammons

Meeting held at Hammons’ residence

Rod called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Minutes for the meeting held February 15, 2023, were approved.

Checking account balance as of 3/11/23:  $102,033.29

                WFCU balances:  Regular account $5,700.23

                 TT security deposit $5,323.90

Budget for 2023 to be determined at next meeting.

Discussion followed on moving some funds into an interest-bearing CD.  Ward offered to look into an appropriate CD for around $20,000.  Directors agreed this could be done before the next meeting. 

Rod – Red Lodge Ales agreement has been signed.  Rod assured the directors that even if we had an unusually large crop, Rod Lodge would be in a position to take all the culls.  They are set up to handle 25,000 lbs a day and 300,000 lbs of culls would not be a problem.  In any case, Monson is prepared to take any overage at 10 cents a pound.  Red Lodge will pay .25 this year and they understand the price is likely to go up next year.

 

Rod – painting of warehouse by Fisher Painting LLC.  Most of the inside will be painted including the cold room.  Temperature has to be 50 degrees or better for the painter to start.  Might be June for the project or sooner if heaters are brought in. 

 

Rod – removing the hydocooler equipment; adding a water tank.   Rod is waiting for a callback from Bryan Zimmerman on the removal project and a cost estimate.  Pacific Steel is interested in taking all the metal. 

                Adding the water tank and replumbing will run around $4,000.  Upon motion duly made by Mark St. Sauver, seconded by Ward Marshall, and unanimously approved, the directors agreed that Rod should move forward with the purchase and plumbing of the water tank as discussed.

                Rod brought up replacing being the cherry delivery door as a future project.  It will cost around $6000.

 

Ward Marshall – PMA Resolution update – Ward has had difficulty reaching James Raymond for an update and comment on the material Ward presented in answer to the commissioners’ questions.  Ward will continue his efforts to contact Mr. Raymond; Rod offered to follow up with a contact he has among the commissioners.   

 

Spring Meeting – tentative agenda discussed. Brian Campbell will be the emcee.  The agenda draft was approved as presented with the addition of an update by Ward on the PMA situation and pending resolution.  Henry Hooker offered 4 or 5 door prizes for the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

 Next meeting will be April 19.

FLATHEAD LAKE CHERRY GROWERS, INC.

 MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wednesday, February 15, 2023 – 7 p.m.

Directors present: Mike Bonner, Bruce Johnson, Henry Hooker, John Nasgovitz, Mark St. Sauver

 Absent:  Mitch Jones, Ward Marshall, Brian Peterson, Rod McRae  

Guest:  Brian Campbell

Meeting recorded by Barbara Hammons

Meeting held at Hammons’ residence

Mark called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Minutes for the meeting held October 19, 2022, were approved.

Checking account balance as of 2/22/23:  $102,638.57

                WFCU balances:  Regular account $5,700.23

                 TT security deposit $5,323.90

Budget update Jan–Dec 2022 distributed.

               

Mark asked if anyone had any questions about the budget.  Suggestions made on transferring some money from checking account into some type of interest-bearing account.   Discussion on setting aside funds for a bad year; in years past around $50,000 was kept in WFCU as a cushion.    Budget for 2023 to be discussed at next meeting when Mitch is available. 

 

Mark – Fisher Paint LLC – painting of warehouse.  Mark described the areas to be painted and the type of paint to be used.  The bid is for $13,504.  Directors felt it was a good price for the extent of the area.  A motion was made but set aside briefly for a question raised by Bruce concerning the hydrocooler removal project and whether it also would be scheduled for this year as it would be two expensive projects.

 

 Mark explained the options for dealing with the old hydrocooler, moving it and if so, to where, and disposal of scrap metal.  Bryan Zimmerman will likely be contacted to cut out the equipment and scrap metal will be sold to Pacific Steel.  A bid from Zimmerman has not been received yet; a rough estimate might be $7000 to $10,000, but doesn’t include other cleanup work that might be involved.  Discussion morphed to coordinating projects with Tabletree because of their food safety programs and inspections.  Mark reported on discussions with Gussie of Tabletree with regard to working around an “unscheduled” food safety audit that Tabletree is subject to possibly in March.

After continued discussion and upon motion duly made by John Nasgovitz, seconded by Mike Bonner, and unanimously approved, directors agreed to the bid for painting areas of the warehouse by Fisher Painting LLC in the amount of $13,504.00.

 

Brian Campbell – In answer to a request for applicator credits at the spring meeting, Brian reported that to get certification from the State, the agenda and information about the speaker and topics had to be submitted 30 days in advance for approval.  Depending on speakers, if they speak anything about pesticide use, spray application, or spray use in general, the most we could get out of it is one or two credits.  Presentation must be by a qualified agent.  A class for up to six credits will be available in October according to new Lake County Extension Agent, David Brink.

Spring Meeting topics discussed – Ryan Wilbur from Fish & Game is ready to be a speaker.  Dr. Jerry Bromenshenk from UofM re honeybees has been lined up.  Other topics might be bird control/damage, and general horticultural topics, soils, ground covers, pollination, etc.   Brian is continuing his search for a keynote speaker.  Another idea was to bring back Norm Gutswiler; Brian will contact him.  (He has presented at past spring meetings in 2010, 2012, and 2015.)    April 15 is the preferred date.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.